There have been reports of families having stones thrown at their homes, fences destroyed and paint daubed on walls.

In the latest reported incident youths were seen running away from a property in Berkshire Road after throwing stones.

Although no damage was caused the family were upset by the experience.

Old Dean councillor Margaret Moher said the issue was serious and had been going on for at least two years.

She said the regularity of incidents fluctuated but families living on the estate had suffered vandalism and felt too threatened to allow children to play outside.

Cllr Moher said the latest incident came as no surprise, adding: “This has been going on for a long time and I feel desperately sorry for the family.

“I honestly believe that people should be able to live and let live. I think it’s really unfair.

“They have got a family and the kids can’t go out to play. We have another family in Wimbledon Road who’s had fencing smashed and paint daubed over the walls.

“I don’t quite know what the answer to it is.

“These kids that are causing problems to these families are causing problems to everyone throughout the estate.

“I feel really sorry for the family. When they come out of school they (the family’s children) have to stay within their own four walls or their garden. I’m not happy about it.”

Cllr Moher said new policing powers to move groups of youths away from the shops on the estate gave the police an added ability to deal with problems, but risked moving them elsewhere into other roads.

She said that without closed-circuit television cameras it was impossible to find out who the culprits were and prosecute them for the damage and upset they inflicted.

Luthful Karim, chief trustee of the MA Al-Kharafi Centre in London Road, Camberley, said he was “not overly concerned” by the issue as he did not believe it was an organised campaign.

He added: “Since the unfortunate July 7 attacks in London the communities have been very supportive of each other.

“I’m not overtly worried about it. However, I’m keeping an open mind.”

He added that he had the highest regard for Surrey Police and their methods of dealing with such offences.

Old Dean neighbourhood specialist officer Pc Dale Hathaway said: “Surrey Police is not prepared to tolerate hate crime and will prosecute any such offence with the full force of the law.

“If you have any information about this incident please contact the police.

“I would also encourage any person who has suffered any form of hate or discrimination to contact the police.”

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: “Obviously we will and we do take a firm stance towards anyone who perpetrates any racial harassment.

“We have stepped up patrols in the area as a reassurance measure. The family had been victims of repeat targeting.

“We will come down hard on anyone who offends in this manner.”

Anyone with information about these incidents, or who wants to report any new ones, should call Pc Hathaway on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously and free on 0800 555111.